Searching for an ABA therapy provider can be overwhelming for parents. Whether navigating a new diagnosis, or searching for a better therapy fit for your child, it’s A LOT! There are many factors to consider beyond the schedule, wait time and services offered.
We understand. You are looking for a place that will truly see your child, support your family, and help you feel confident about the road ahead.
Here are a few points to consider in your search for an ABA therapy provider:
1. What Role Do I Have As a Parent?
A common concern parents have is that they want to know what their child is doing in therapy and how it’s going to help them. Parents are searching for support and solutions for their children. And we believe children make the greatest progress when parents and caregivers feel informed, involved, and empowered. Make sure the ABA therapy provider has parent training at the foundation of their ABA services. A therapy plan that includes parents receiving regular coaching, hands-on guidance, and support that reaches beyond the clinic into everyday life will provide the greatest benefit for both your child and the entire family.
“At Healing Haven, support extends far beyond the child. Parent sessions, stress-management tools, access to psychologists, and even spiritual care include the whole family. We always feel understood and uplifted. It’s rare to find a place that truly strengthens the family as a whole.” – Healing Haven Parent
2. How is Care Customized Around My Child?
No two children are exactly alike, and their therapy should not be either. A quality ABA program provides individualized care, based on each child’s strengths, challenges, goals, and developmental needs. The number of therapy hours should be based on your child’s needs. Progress data and graduation criteria should be transparent. ABA therapy should be based on a clinically appropriate approach based on each child’s unique needs and progress.
“My BCBA is wonderful. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. She’s incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, and she truly pays attention to my child’s needs. She’s in tune with what works and what doesn’t, and I always feel confident in her guidance. I’m grateful that we were connected and excited to see what the future holds for my child.” – Healing Haven Parent
3. Are Skills Prioritized for Everyday Life?
Parents also want to know that therapy will help their child in real-life situations—not just in a clinic room. For younger kids this can include learning to engage with peers, activities for daily living, as well as school readiness skills like following teacher instructions and transitioning between activities. For teens and young adults therapy can take on a new focus that includes age-appropriate social skills, pre-vocational skills and building independence skills like meal preparation, laundry and cleaning your room. Consider an ABA therapy provider that prioritizes naturalistic teaching, age-appropriate spaces, and opportunities for children to build skills they can use at home, at school, and in the community.
“Another big piece that people come to us for… is the mock classroom settings we offer… [to help] clients practice school skills in a similar setting to what they’re going to experience once they go to school.” – Kate Fritz, MA, BCBA, LBA, VP, ABA Operations
4. The Multi-Disciplinary Therapy Factor
Often children with autism need additional, focused support in speech and/or occupational therapies. An important factor in your decision is whether the autism therapy provider offers comprehensive, multi-disciplinary services. A provider that has ABA, Speech and Occupational Therapists all working collaboratively together can lead to greater progress for your child. And the bonus to parents is that you do not have to map out multiple schedules while rushing your child to various therapy centers.
5. Is There Support That Extends Beyond Early Intervention?
For many parents, they wonder how long their child will need therapy. None of us have a crystal ball to predict how a child will learn and progress. Some children need ongoing support beyond the traditional 6- or 7-year-old therapy services. An important factor is whether you can find support for more than just one season of life. At our one-of-a-kind therapy campus in Madison Heights, we serve children from early childhood through teens and young adulthood, giving families access to continuity that is hard to find elsewhere.
“I really trust our BCBA. She’s the ally I’ve always needed—someone who truly understands what we’re going through, makes me feel supported, and helps me feel less alone.” – Healing Haven Parent
Choosing autism therapy services is a deeply personal decision. Parents want to know their child will be understood, their concerns will be heard, and their family will be supported along the way.
Are you ready to learn more? Contact us and a member of our Client Services team can answer your questions and get the process started.